Student Ambassador: Teresa Rocha-Ruiz MA, MEd

Hello and hola to everyone! My name is Teresa, and I am currently in my second year of the Clinical Psychology PsyD Program at William James College, with a focus on the Latino Mental Health Program (LMHP) and the Children and Families of Adversity and Resilience (CFAR) concentrations. I am originally from Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico. As a first-generation college student, I was raised with a deep commitment to community service, a value that continues to guide what I do.

I hold a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry with a concentration in Hispanic Ministry and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, both from Boston College. Additionally, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the Sonora Institute of Technology (ITSON). One of the main reasons I chose William James College was its strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training. Coming from the field of education, the unique five-year clinical practicum at William James College has given me the opportunity to develop the real-world skills that other PsyD programs might not offer. I was also attracted to William James College for the opportunity to be trained to serve immigrants as my former students and their families.

My passion lies in advocating for the Latinx community, especially concerning mental health challenges. These include the stigma surrounding mental illness, the lack of bilingual mental health professionals, and barriers to care due to limited insurance coverage. My long-term vision is to support and empower mental health providers who serve the Latinx community by focusing on "helping the helpers." I aim to create an organization that fosters peer-support groups for mental health professionals, ensuring they continue to receive culturally competent feedback and support even after their formal education ends. I believe that ongoing dialogue is critical to meeting the evolving needs of our community.

In my second-year practicum, I will have the opportunity to work with neurodivergent children and adolescents facing social-emotional difficulties, and autism spectrum disorder. I am excited to join a team dedicated to supporting these young individuals reach their full potential by recognizing their strengths and addressing their unique needs. For me, honoring and understanding the cultural backgrounds of my clients is crucial for building trust, facilitating open communication, and providing personalized, effective care.

I am honored to be the 2023 recipient of the Dr. Cynthia Lucero Scholarship, and this year I will participate in the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI), which will allow me to be part of a community or learners with additional training in offering culturally sensitive services. Additionally, I work at the William James library as a work-study student. I enjoy hiking with my family, which includes my two children, my husband, and our dog, Brownie. I also love doing Zumba with friends and practicing mindfulness.

As you begin your new journey, one recommendation I can offer is to engage in study groups. Collaborating with peers not only enhances your understanding of the material but also provides valuable emotional and social support during this challenging period. Don’t hesitate to seek help when you needed —whether from professors, classmates, or the Academic Resource Center. The road ahead may be demanding but building a strong support system will greatly contribute to your success.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, and best wishes!